The Essential Components Of A Vegetarian Diet Plan

By Glen Kinkade


A vegetarian diet is a diet that is made up of foods like beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables among others. A vegetarian diet that has been planned out well will include all the right nutrients, like proteins, minerals and vitamins, and also help to improve one's health. This can include things like reducing the potential of developing chronic diseases, obesity and diabetes. Keep on reading to discover more things about such a diet plan.



Main Ideas Related To The Vegetarian Diet Regime

1. Protein

Protein is vital for the many functions of the body like the creation of tissues and tissue repair. A full protein molecule in most cases should consist of numerous amino acid molecules. Plant foods, however, do not have such proteins as plants don't have as many amino acids.

Some food plants that are good sources of protein include nuts and seeds, legumes (like beans, lentils and peas, soy products (soy beverages and tempeh) and whole grains. Soy is a complete vegetable protein. These foods also provide the body with other essential nutrients.

2. Minerals

People starting a vegetarian diet plan should also be sure that they are getting enough minerals like iron, calcium, zinc and iodine. At the present time, experts state that a great vegetarian diet weight loss plan is one that follows all of the recommended guidelines when it comes to such nutrients. For example, you should strive to drink or eat enough dairy products like milk to maintain adequate consumption of calcium. Other sources of calcium include green leafy veggies like kale and boy, as well as calcium enriched juice since all of these contain bioavailable calcium (calcium that the body can make use of instantly).

Plant based foods like legumes, grains, nuts, soy products are rich in zinc. However, the form of iron found in plant based foods is slightly different to that found in animals. The absorption of iron can depend on other foods in the diet, for example, vitamin C will enhance the absorption of iron whereas tea and coffee will reduce it. Great sources of iron include beans, tofu, oatmeal, lentils and spinach. Do not take iron supplements unless before asking your doctor.

3. Omega 3 fats

These fatty acids are vital for the proper functioning of the heart. Generally speaking, diet plans that exclude fish or eggs (like a vegetarian diet) offer very low amounts of such fats that are in an active form. Soy oil, soybeans, ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil are excellent source of omega 3 essential fatty acids.

However, the conversion of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to the type used by human beings is usually inefficient, so you may consider taking fortified products or supplements like algae extract supplements. These will ensure that your body get the 2 forms of omega-3 which plant foods don't have.

4. Vitamin D and B12

Vitamin D is important for the health of your bones as well as for general development. Consuming foods like milk, cereals and soy products will make sure that you get sufficient vitamin D. In addition, also consider eating cereals enriched with extra vitamins or other nutrients, like omega 3 and protein.

On the other hand, Vitamin B12 is needed for the formation of erythrocytes or red blood cells. This is also helpful in the prevention of developing anemia. It is usually quite challenging to get this vitamin as it is practically only found in animal based products. Those on a vegetarian or even vegan diet should definitely consider taking extra supplements, vitamin enriched cereals or fortified soy based products to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12.




About the Author:



Share on Google Plus
    Blogger Comment
    Facebook Comment

See Also